superstorm sandy, ripping up the east coast just days before the big election. it was no longer a hurricane when it hit new york and new jersey, but it was horrible just the same, taking lives, devastating thousands of homes and businesses. >> we were out of business for eight days. in 100 years, carlos has never closed for more than a da i. i have to be honest with you, we were lucky. a lot of family, a lot of businesses got destroyed. >>> stunning pictures appeared as millions lost power, some for days, some for weeks. >> i never thought i would find out how long it takes to charge up my eye phone in a honda civic. the first couple of days without power it was like oh, it''s fun. i'm camping inside. the third day i'm going to kill my neighbor for his generator. >> at this point, if you haven't left, don't go out. >> great job, next time get a helmet and anchor. >> speaking of anchors, worst drag on the economy -- the relentlessly bad unemployment rate. sure, it got a little better, but 12 million americans are still out of work. worst realization -- fixing tha